24 January 2018 Tweet  

Caring for Children's Skin (Pediatric Skin Care)

Taking good care of your children’s skin can help prevent some skin issues and alert you to potential concerns in a timely manner. Children's skin problems span nearly 2 decades from birth through adolescence. So, here are some skin care tips for your children-from infants to adolescents, which will help you care for and protect your child’s skin.......

1. Skin and hair care for babies( newborns and infants) This is the age when the child's skin and hair is very delicate and needs utmost care. Certain do's and dont's :

Always use a moisturizing lotion immediately after shower , to seal the moisture in the skin, for best results.

Do not use hot water baths for these kids as skin gets dry and rashy

Do not use greasy oils like coconut oil, mustard oil etc for massaging your infant-as this can cause folliculitis and dandruuff on scalp.

Avoid thick woollen clothes as this may cause breakout of eczematous rashes.

There are certain skin and hair conditions at this age, which if observed must be treated by a dermatologist at the earliest such as eczema, cradle cap, prickly heat rash, diader rash or fungal infection.However there are certain conditions such as neonatal acne, milia, salmon patches or mongolian spots , which are no reason to worry for the parents.

2. Skin and Hair care for school going kids-mainly from 2-10yrs of age (Pre-puberty age group) This is the age when your child goes out into the big world , meets many other children and is likely to get infections from their friends. Certain hygiene practices to be followed for kids of this age group are:

Always make sure that they shower when they come home from hot, humid environment to prevent bacterial infections such as impetigo and folliculitis, sometimes an anti-bacterial soap is recommended.

Skin irritation may worsen at this age as kids play outdoors and sweat profusely, worsening eczema and are also prone to insect bite allergies.

Visit a dermatologist if you notice any unusual growths on skin -these could be warts or molluscum which are viral infections and are contagious.

Always make sure their nails are short as they make scratch their skin or scalp , especially when they are asleep, if they are having any skin or hair concerns.

Use a mild anti-fungal shampoo, if they suffer from greasiness of scalp or dandruff.

Always check their hair for lice if there is intense itching, and treat it thoroughly.

Hairloss may be diffuse at this age due to inadequate nutrition (low iron , proteins and vitamins in diet) or patchy hairloss which may be alopecia areata or fungal infection. This can be treated by a dermatologist.

3. Skin and Hair concerns in Pre-teens and teenagers This is the age when the hoemones start kicking in, for both boys and girls. This is the age when they become very self-conscious about their appearance and need to follow certain skin and hair practices for healthy skin and hair. Some of these are:

Always use an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunblock, not only when outdoors, but also indoors, as this prevents tanning and helps to keep your skin radiant.

Wash your face with a facewash meant for your skin type-oily, combination or dry, this prevents build-up of dirt, sebum, grime and prevents breakouts.

Treat acne (pimples) at the earliest from your dermatologist as acne leaves behind blemishes and scars, which are not only difficult and painstaking to treat later on, but also lower self-confidence.

Eat healthy, nutritious diet, avoid oily and junk foods and sweets, not only for great skin but also for lustrous hair.

Avoid greasy oil massages on scalp, as this can worsen or trigger dandruff and folliculitis.

Use a light weight moisturizing lotion at night to keep skin soft and supple.

Always remove all make-up at bedtime to prevent clogging of pores.

At this age, fungal infection is very common, especially in groin areas, buttocks and underarms, and must be treated adequately by the dermatologist.

Also excessive facial hair growth, acne , increased pigmentation , hair thinning, weight gain and irregular menses may be a part of PCOS (polycystic ovaries ) in young girls and needs treatment from the dermatologist at the earliest.